Review: Paddington’s First Concert with BSL interpretation by Sinfonia Viva

Just before Christmas I was invited to attend a show quite unlike any other I’ve seen before. Produced and created by Sinfonia Viva, an award-winning orchestra, this live production was ‘Paddington Bear’s First Concert.’

I went along to this event with an open mind, not really sure what to expect from an orchestral concert that had BSL interpretation and English captions throughout. Would the experience be enjoyable for a hearing aid wearer / sign language user? I wasn’t sure.

Upon entering the hall where the concert was being held, I noticed the orchestra was set on a raised platform with two seats at the front – one for the narrator and one for the BSL interpreter.

There were caption screens on both sides of the orchestra and a large digital screen at the back too. Whilst the location would have benefited from tiered seating for the audience, the thoughtful layout worked well.

The BSL interpreter for the event was Sarah Gatford, a Midlands based interpreter who is renowned for her musical prowess and experience delivering interpretation for family friendly musical events.

As soon as she arrived on stage it was clear Sarah had fully studied and absorbed the music prior to the day as she relayed the musical nuances, dynamics and rhythms with confidence and ease. Swaying her arms and tapping her hands, I could see through Sarah’s interpretation that the concert had well and truly begun!

As well as the BSL interpretation, there were live captions relaying everything the narrator spoke and sang and the large centre screen also shared images and song lyrics with titles whilst the orchestra were playing too.

The whole concert was designed to be a relaxed, fun family experience. Narrator and singer Abimaro Gunnell interacted with the audience throughout; asking questions, sharing stories and even leading opportunities to sign and/or sing parts of certain songs.

I loved seeing sign language exist so naturally within the experience, the singer and orchestra members signing along too and encouraging the audience to do the same.

There were even moments where the BSL interpreter assisted with the narration, taking props out of Paddington’s suitcase and sharing these with the audience. It was lovely to see an interpreter so involved within a production and on a completely level platform to the narrator as they sat side by side.

Watching the BSL interpreter, I found the musical performances mesmerising. As Sarah depicted the intricacies of the music using her facial expression, hands and arm movements, I found myself completely absorbed in the experience. It was entrancing.

Sarah matched the timing of the orchestra perfectly, testament to the long rehearsal hours she had applied, and as a result I felt I fully understood the mood the music was conjuring.

A particular favourite of mine was Le Jardin Ferique. My hearing aid was able to pick up some truly lovely patterns of notes and it felt crystal clear with me being sat so close to the musical instruments.

It was a great sight to see the orchestra so close up. Not only is it a rarity to see such grand instruments close up, I felt it was really helpful access wise to see the strokes of the treble bass players arms so clearly and the speed at which the flautist moved her fingers. I can’t hear the flute – it’s too high pitched for me – but I loved ‘seeing’ the rhythms it was making.

As well as hosting a musical concert, there was a wealth of activities to enjoy after the concert. You could have a go at conducting the orchestra yourself! Children could even create their own Paddington inspired suitcase and post a postcard to Paddington too.

The arts and crafts on offer were a great way for families to enjoy making memories together and the whole set up for the event was truly one of inclusivity and relaxed enjoyment. The lights were only partly dimmed throughout the concert and children were able to move about if they wished to, with a group of children deciding to dance joyfully next to the stage.

As well as my own family, I noticed two more families present with deaf parents / deaf children and they commented after the show that they had never attended anything like it but would definitely do so again.

Paddington’s First Concert was a highly enjoyable and family-friendly event that encourages everyone to enjoy music. At first I assumed it was perhaps quite unusual for an orchestra to attempt to draw in a deaf/BSL using audience but in my opinion the experience was absolutely worthwhile.

I would love to see more opportunities like this for deaf audience members to feel fully involved and able to access musical events, not just by using a separate, segregated interpreter but by fully involving the BSL interpreter and aspects of sign language within the whole production.

Congratulations to Sinfonia Viva on the production of Paddington’s First Concert and I wholeheartedly look forwards to seeing what they come up with next!

For more information see www.sinfoniaviva.co.uk